Here Is How To Vote For Sauti Sol To Win The MTV EMA

African top group, Sauti Sol is nominated as Best African Act at the upcoming 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA), making them Kenya’s first group to be recognised by the prestigious MTV global music ceremony.

The Kenyan group Sauti Sol is up against fellow African music giants: Davido (Nigeria), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Toofan (Togo) and Goldfish (South Africa), in this hotly contested category.

Sauti Sol is set to represent Kenya and East Africa at 2014 MTV EMA ceremony that will take place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow Scotland, on 9th November.

They will be joining a host of other international music acts and nominees including Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Nicki Minaj, Eminem, One Direction, among others.

Voting for Sauti Sol as Best African Act at 2014 MTV EMA doesn’t require any sort of identification or procedure.

It’s as simple as a click away and open 24 hours a day, every second via http://base.mtvema.com/vote

Which Version Of Waje's Onye Gets You?

Waje performed the ballad version of her hit song Onye during Saturday night's Coke Studio Africa TV show.

I gotta ask.

Which version gets you?
The ballad.


Or the up-tempo track?

Elani Elated At Pan African Nomination For AFRIMA Awards

 

The fastest growing afro fusion pop stars, Elani, are making a mark in Africa.

After their Channel O nomination, they bagged another continental nod.

The band posted about it on their Facebook page.

They wrote: "Thank you GOD for TWO more major nominations that have come our way. Elani (Kenya) with Kookoo nominated for the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in two categories.

"1.REVELATION OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT and 2.BEST AFRICAN POP SONG. We are totally humbled and we thank you once again ‪#‎TeamElani‬ for being so amazing and getting us here.Please vote for us online via (www.afrima.org , Twitter : @afrimawards, Facebook : AFRIMA2014) Let's bring it home!!!VOTE VOTE VOTE http://bit.ly/1wQnsif."

When Two Divas Prove They Are Champions. Watch!

Wedding Show Babe, Named Macha New Year's Ambassador

Noni Gathoni was named the Goodwill Ambassador for Macha New Year celebrations during a colorful launch held at Machakos People’s Park.

Making the announcement, The County Executive for Tourism& Culture Faith Wathome said, "Noni is beautiful, intelligent and represents modern creative enterprising youth."

Noni is the brains behind the TV show, The Wedding Show.

According to the release, Noni exemplifies love, happiness and good times at Macha New Year celebrations.

On accepting the role, Noni called upon tourists, Nairobians and all good times lovers in the region to make plans to usher in the New Year at Machakos People’s Park.

The Executive Producer Henri Carlos estimates the economic value of the celebrations to the city as well over Kshs 50 million, giving an important boost to businesses both small and large.

The mega celebration will feature a spectacular Airshow, Sky diving, mega firework, live performances, Sixty seconds countdown, Countdown concert and New Year Family concert.

The organizers will announce the entertainment lineup at a later date.

Henri promised an electrifying line up of DJs led by DJ Kaytrixx, DJ Nijo, DJ Chris Darling, Mr.T, ZJ Heno, DJ Saqic, DJ Tabz and many more.

Will.I.Am Designs Ultra Stylish Bespoke Lexus NX

Musician, innovator and global entrepreneur will.i.am last night unveiled his personally designed new Lexus NX at an exclusive launch party in Paris.

The highly-anticipated car was revealed ahead of an exclusive DJ set by the Grammy-Award winner, to attending guests from across Europe.

Bearing his name, the special edition NX 200t F SPORT pairs the flair and creativity of will.i.am’s innovative personality with the eye-catching striking angles of the Lexus NX.

With cutting-edge on-board technology, a sharply-styled exterior and an aggressive and sporty design, the NX is aimed at younger, urban and more design oriented customers.

Speaking about the special edition SUV, will.i.am said: "When I found out Lexus wanted me to be involved in the Striking Angles campaign, my first thought was, can I design a car with you? I’m honored to be launching my bespoke Lexus NX F SPORT in Paris –this car is super fresh and incorporates my personal style. My point of view is the best kind of design will encourage other people to interpret that design.”

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe said: “Working with will.i.am to produce a bespoke take on the NX has been a fantastic experience. We were immediately struck by his passion to take the aggressive and bold design of the NX F SPORT to a whole new level.

The striking design of the NX has already captured the imagination of customers worldwide and will.i.am’s bespoke take extends the car’s captivating personality and character in a new direction that embodies his unrivalled creativity and vision.”

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
One of the most innovative features of will.i.am’s bespoke NX is the ability to capture panoramic photographs and video footage whilst driving.

Built into the customised body kit are four 180° interconnected camera lenses. The media that is captured can then be displayed on the smartphone screen of the driver or passenger, instantly via Bluetooth.

To support the growing trend for consumers to own more than one mobile device, the bespoke car also features the Lexus NX patented Wireless Charging Tray.

Located in the centre console box, the innovative technology allows smart phones and other compatible devices to be recharged by being placed on the tray, with no need for a cable.

As can only be expected for a multi-platinum selling artist, the audio system inside the sports SUV is premium.

It features a Lexus NX 10-speaker Pioneer Surround Sound System, consisting of 16cm speakers in the front and rear doors and a set of 6.5cm speakers mounted in the instrument panel.

Under the bonnet sits Lexus’ all-new 2.0l VVT-iW turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission, boasting 238 DIN hp / 175 KW and a hefty 350 Nm of torque at 1650-4000rpm. This will take the car from 0-100km/h in a brisk 7.1sec and 80-120km/h in 6.0sec.

EXTERIOR
Through a unique blend of innovation and design, will.i.am has added his own touch to the striking exterior of the NX, producing a lower, wider and bolder model.

The bodywork incorporates an arresting blend of brushed aluminum, carbon vinyl and will.iam’s signature monochrome, matte pearl white paintwork with a black tinted panoramic glass roof.

Powerfully flared front and rear fenders are fused to a diamond-shaped body with lines generated from the spindle grille. As well as being lowered the bespoke car boasts a set of massive 22-inch alloy wheels.

These alloys have been painted with a luminous black machine finish in contrast to the highly visible bright orange break calipers.

INTERIOR 
Inside, the stylised bespoke car features a distinctive combination of high performance brushed aluminum and contrasting soft materials to create a bold, yet luxurious, interior design.

The signature monochrome colour scheme continues inside creating a clean and cohesive overall look.

Embroidered with will.i.am’s globally renowned #willpower logo, the modified leather seats provide the perfect viewpoint to appreciate the Lexus NX innovative central console and custom-built steering wheel.

The musician has even specified luxurious Nappa leather and brushed aluminum floor mats.

The Lexus NX was manufactured at the Lexus Miyata Plant, Kyushu, Japan.

Lupita Says Her Mum Is Her Secret Fashion Consultant

 

Lupita Nyong'o turns to her mother for style advice.

The Oscar-winning actress has revealed that her ultimate wardrobe inspiration comes from her mum who taught her to dress respectfully for any occasion.

Lupita told Lucky magazine: "My mother raised us to dress as a sign of respect. Like, no ball gowns to the ball game. That's still how I approach dressing."

She added, "At Yale [School of Drama], I was three years in slacks, so then, any excuse to dress up, I took. Now I'm the opposite."

The beautiful '12 Years a Slave' star also admitted that her love for dramatic make-up looks started when she was just a teenager.

She told the mag: "My mother never wore it, so make-up always fascinated me. I was always trying to add more! I started experimenting - brows were first, and it hurt - at 16. From brows I moved on to black lipstick, which I still wear. I've had black lipstick in my bag since I was 17 - I've even worn it on the red carpet. I'd tell my mother, 'It's for the play!

"We're a big performative family, so we were always putting on shows for each other, make-believe. Black lipstick is just instant drama. I always sought out drama - I played Juliet at 14 - though I don't like it in my personal life. It's more for the stage and screen."

Fans Fall In Love With Flavour And Victoria Kimani Stage Chemistry

They are what everyone is gushing about.

Music fusion TV show, Coke Studio Africa kicked off it's second season last Saturday and the most notable performance was by Kenyan singer Victoria Kimani and Nigerian Flavour Nabania.

The couple performed Flavour's Ada Ada song.

Various fans posted their views on social networks gushing over their performance.

Samson Gichia wrote,"One word, awesome."

Liz Mukuhi wrote, "Great performance! Wish I heard more of Victoria Kimani she has a greeat voice."

Sasha Satya wrote, "This is good! really good..." 

Nduku Wambua wrote, "Killed it! Victoria sounds amazing..."

MissNenye wrote, "Flavour needs to feature Victoria in a remix and her verse should be extended cos this collaboration was amazing."

Cynthia Muchiri wrote, "That body though....on replay!"

Kyomugisha Ritah wrote, "In love with this song....he sounds better live...on replayyyyyyyy best performance!!" Carole Kutsushi wrote, "I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this song I listen to it EVERYDAY. This collabo was so good and just listening to Flavor unplugged and sounding that great aiiiiiiiiiiiish true talent right there. Great job guys..... the drums the Saxophones the pianist the back up vocals eh eh eh you all just blended sooooo well. KUDOS!!"

Lilian Kwamboka wrote, "I simply cannot get enough of this song! by far the BEST performance on Coke Studio Africa!!! Flavor needs to feature Victoria in a remix bcoz this collaboration was just WINNING! Who knew Victoria Kimani could sing soo beautifully. They killed it men, they killed it!...ohh and they can make a really cute couple."

You may watch the entire episode below.



To get more updates on Coke Studio performances check out the Facebook page, follow them on Twirra - @cokestudioafr, and check out the pics of Instagram.

Don't forget to watch the new season on the YouTube channel. Shoot, you can even listen to the music on their Sound Cloud page.

Meet Big Brother Africa's First Hotshot Housemate

As promised, M-Net and series M-Net and series producers Endemol SA has unveiled the names of the participating housemates live on the official Big Brother website.

Fans of Africa’s biggest reality show-Big Brother Africa, no longer have to wait in anticipation until the launch on the 5th of October to meet the Big Brother hotshots.

Fans will be introduced to three Big Brother housemates on a daily basis starting today.

Meet the first three housemates; Melvin – Kenya, Butterphly – Zimbabwe & Ellah – Uganda

No Need To Wait For Biggie To Premiere, The Hotshots Will Be Revealed Here!

Fans of Africa’s biggest reality show, Big Brother Africa, will no longer have to wait in anticipation until the launch on the 5th of October to meet the Big Brother hotshots.

In a bold and ground breaking move, M-Net and series producers Endemol SA will be delivering a new world first and unveiling the names of the participating housemates live on the official Big Brother website which launches at 14h00 CAT on Thursday 18 September.

Three Big Brother housemates will be introduced on a daily basis starting from the 18th September. This will be followed by regular updates on social media.

During the 8th season of Big Brother, over 6 million fans interacted with the show via the Website, Twitter, and Facebook, with the website generating just over 200 million impressions.

“We are breaking new ground and the website and social media are the perfect platforms to engage with the fans in real-time”, says M-Net East Africa Regional Director Michael Ndetei.

“The show will go on, and both fans and housemates are in for some riveting television, coupled with all the drama, intrigue and heart-stopping twists that have long become synonymous with the reality show”.

The new and undoubtedly glamourous Big Brother house is in the process of being designed and fitted with cutting edge camera equipment and broadcast technology that makes the show unique in its format.

Big Brother Hotshots live eviction shows as well as the best of the daily and weekly highlights will air on Maisha Magic Channel 161.

So make sure your subscription to DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact is up to date so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

On GOtv, Catch the weekly highlights on Africa Magic Family, and Africa Magic World.

Eric Omondi: Esther Arunga Believed In My Talent

 

Comedian Eric Omondi has joined the online call to save TV queen Esther Arunga after the tragic death of her son and incaceration of her husband.

Esther's first born son, Sinclair, died after it is reported that her hubby, Quincy, punched him in the stomach and hurled him accross the room.

Quincy is in jail awaiting trial set for December 4.

Eric says, "One thing happened, followed by another and we soon lost hope and trust in Esther...but hope is never lost, we must hope against hope. Let's bring back our Esther, back to Kenya, back to her country, back to her family...even back to our Screens. I believe!!! We can!!! YES WE CAN!!!, bring back our girl."

The comedian narated how he meet Esther on his Facebook Page.

He wrote, "I once met Esther Arunga while at Daystar University...I was a second year...I had tried very much to reach any Celebrity but non would pick my calls...she did pick my call..."Hey esther my name is Eric Omondi, a student at Daystar University..." I said immediately she picked..."Yes Dear...talk to me" She responded in a soft voice..." Thanks so much for picking my call, am a student leader and I'd love to invite you to my college, I'd also personally love to meet you since am very much interested in TV and Entertainment" This was my response, my voice now shaking with excitement. " Ok dear, can you make it to KTN, I and M building Thursday morning 11am to be exact and don't be late!! She said sternly. Now I was literally shaking in disbelief..."Yes esther...I'll be there". 'See you then' She said and hang up. To cut the long story short I met Esther shortly on Thursday morning and since she was running late, she offered to buy me coffee the following morning at Java Yaya as I explained to her exactly how she could help. She did buy me coffee and introduced me to her entertainment outfit CINEMA (Christians in Media and Entertainment) they ran it together with Big Ted and Big Kev. She also came to Daystar to speak to the students, she brought along with her Nimrod Taabu the first time and Jeff Koinange the second time...This was huge, she made me believe in myself.I know you are asking yourselves, what's the moral of this story. It was while I was performing at CINEMA at the former Galileo on museum hill that churchill officially saw my talent and Esther Arunga officially introduced me to the man who would take me and give me the biggest stage of my life, Churchill. God used her(Esther Arunga) to lead me to my destiny. I can confidently say I knew Esther Arunga, she was a friend and a mentor...A woman who loved God and cherished people around her...an encourager of talent and gifts a role model to the young (she won teeniz role model award that same year)...soft spoken, harmless, Joyful and cheerful."

This Is Wangechi's Last Music Project Before The Accident

During this testing time that the music industry is facing due to the freak car accident that involved Wangechi and two of her pals, Keggah of BYK production house, is officially releasing one of the last tracks that Wangechi recorded.

According to the release, "It was meant to come out later as a grand project but due to the circumstances and the nature of the song, it is only fitting to release it now.

"The song is titled Remember Me, is full of almost prophetic words as she sings about her life and struggle with challenges, with such lines saying "it may be over" but you'll remember my name no matter what."

It continued, "It will be nice for the her fans and close ones struggling to come to terms with the tragic accident, the public in general and just people going through a lot in their lives, to hear her inspiring words."

Channel O TV Boss, Lee Kasumba Defends Awards Nominees

Channel O Africa manager, Leslie Kasumba answered some questions ahead of the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards taking place on Saturday, 29 November at Nasrec Expo Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Speaking during the release of the nominees for the awards, Kasumba said, "The quality of music videos we have seen over the past few years is testament to the way music videos are playing an increasingly important role in the promotion of African music. It is refreshing to see newcomers nominated with industry veterans in this year’s nominees list and it proves that there is no barrier to making an impact on the music scene. The music and videos produced on our African soil is of the same, if not even better, quality as that of those produced internationally and most of our nominees are no stranger to performing on global stages.”

I can see that this year's nomination is a very West and South -centric affair. Why?

I don't think it has anything to do with a west and southern affair as much as it has to do with the amount of music released. We do the best we can to ensure that we cover all regions, we do in fact have the the biggest names in East Africa that form part of the Urban Market and have had a good year covered this year namely: Elani- a new act in Kenya that is really doing well. Eddy Kenzo from you Uganda that had the biggest hits on youtube, Navio from Uganda who has been consistent in terms of dropping videos and spreading his continental appeal, Sauti Sol who has grown from strength to strength and increased their market share, Diamond from Tanzania who is undoubtedly the king of East Arica at the moment definitely one of the best performers in Africa.

Apart from Diamond who seem to have crossover appeal. What can the East do to get it right?
 
I think people are getting it right, to be honest, every year there are different stars from different regions. STL and Victoria had a great year last year for example Camp Mulla dominated the year before. Necessary Noise at their height was dominating and Wyre is possibly one of the best dance-hall artists from Africa. There is no formula to a cross over appeal, music just happens. Music should be organic and has no boundaries, yes at different times different areas artists dominate but it all changes. East Africa is doing well, in relation to its ratio in popular numbers.

Where are the female artistes? The ones nominated feel like they got there on the strength of the male counterpart they collabo-ed with - no, I'm not a feminist.

Certainly, this is a global question. For every one Beyonce there are 5 male counterparts. Its also a case of asking who really released this year and who was getting radio and cub play around the continent this year. I think its unfair to say that the ladies who made it this year were based off their male counterparts - can one really doubt the impact that Tiwa has had? or Lizha James from Lusiphone Africa for example. Or did Seyi Shay have a male artist bring her on - or isn't she the entire package, Niyola has been in the industry for a while and worked hard for the nomination and Thembi Seete has more than paid her dues as part of one of the first kwaito groups in SA that were dominated by the ladies- Boomshaka..Not at all. I could continue but I feel my point has been made.
Just like we don't select artists of regions - music is beyond borders, we certainly don't select off gender. Its all about who dominated and who released who had a good year and thats who we celebrate.

Will Channel O Awards ever be hosted in Kenya?

Of course this is something we have been exploring it comes down to investment from corporate within the region. But Kenya is a beautiful country.

Anthing else you would like to add?

The judging process was a continental one and we sent it out to DJ's across the regions. We simply tallied up the votes and what we got was what was sent. We chose DJ's because they basically drive popular culture and are in the clubs, and thats where music is really felt, in the clubs and in the street, where no one cares where the artist is from its just about a good sound and beat.
Each year its become harder and harder and a lot of artists do get left out because not everyone can be nominated. But while its unfortunate that not everyone can make the cut, it certainly is celebratory and a true testimony to how far the industry has gone, that we can have an all African awards ceremony and still feel like people have been excluded. Its incredible and we are proud to have been part of the industry for the last 17 years. African music is at its golden era right now and we are all living that African dream. From broadcasters to press, writers to bloggers, consumers to artists, and so forth.

Consigned To Oblivion Is Kenya's Best Thriller Yet...

Consigned to Oblivion is a neo-noir mystery-psychological thriller which follows a young woman, Julie Maina, suffering from ante retrograde amnesia.

She wakes up in an unknown hotel room with a dead body in the bathroom.

She has two hours to find out what happened and whose body is in the bathroom.

Consigned to Oblivion is produced and directed by Mark Maina. It will be screened on 15th September at the Goethe Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.

A screening organized by one of the newest breeds of filmmakers in Kenya seeking to make a name for themselves.

Consigned to Oblivion has been selected to be in competition for the East Africa Community-East Africa Film Network awards and Tigo Africa Awards.

The movie seeks to get a professional opinion and review from the industry’s media professionals and critics. Check out the trailer...

Wizkid And Tuface Are This Year's Gentlemen For Hennessy Artistry

This year's heartthrobs that will be headlining the Hennessy Artistry 2014 campaign have been unveiled.

This year’s headliners, Wizkid and 2Face were announced today, September 8, 2014 by premium cognac brand, Hennessy and the two superstars will be working on their first-ever collaboration track.

2Face says, “I’m proud to be on Hennessy Artistry 2014… Great things this year!”

“This year’s Hennessy Artistry is going to be massive and I am really privileged to be working with legend, 2Face Idibia… I can’t wait to get into the studio with him!!! Watch this space!” Wizkid said on his Instagram page.

The Hennessy Artistry track for 2014 will be released later this month.

Some of Nigeria’s hottest acts at the moment will also join 2Face and Wizkid on the Artistry club tour, which kicks off at the end of this month.

Hennessy Artistry, which kicked off in 2007 has since featured some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music scene including Dbanj, MI, Naeto C, Banky W, Eldee, Tiwa Savage, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Nneka, Sir Shina Peters, Bez, among many others.

Brand manager for Hennessy Nigeria, Lere Awokoya comments, “Selecting these internationally recognized superstars for Hennessy Artistry 2014 was definitely a great choice. They both appeal to different kinds of fans and having 2Face and Wizkid release their first-ever collabo will definitely shake the African music scene.”

He continues, “Our headliners for 2014, 2Face and Wizkid greatly represent what Hennessy Cognac symbolizes which is the premium luxury lifestyle, fun and success.”

Check out their story...

Kirya: New Album Is The Most Honest

Ugandan musician and entrepreneur has promised his fans a raw and honest music album.

Maurice Kirya made the announcement on his social media pages.

Kirya wrote: "I'm glad to announce that...a musical album for my fans is on the way!!"

Adding, "While many thought I was too busy with other businesses, I spent sleepless nights in studios crafting a work of art that will be the most honest feelings I ever sung about! Thanks to all my fans, Album coming soon!!"

Carol Radull Ventures Into Shooting Sports Webisodes

Radio personality Carol Radull has ventured into the online bizniz of shooting webisodes.

She spoke to Hot Secrets about this.

"I have recently opened my own YouTube channel and right now I am producing one series called Serious Easy Talk – S.E.T.," Carol said, "Where my husband and I; and two of our closest friends Kieni Githinji and Martin Kariuki get together on Saturday nights and unwind by having a drink and chatting about anything and everything that’s happening in our lives."

She continued, "Without trying, these characters can be quite hilarious and entertaining. Each webisode is about 3-4 minutes and we release about two a week, sometimes three."

Carol added, "I hope to produce even more short but entertaining series in future. Here is a sample of the webisodes that we’ve produced so far. I hope you enjoy it."

Lizz Njagah's Reality Show Teaser For First Lady Is Out!

Here is a teaser of Lizz Njagah's reality TV show First Ladies.

The show features three top actresses from three different countries.

So far, Kenyan actress Lizz and Ghanaian actress, Jocelyn Dumas are the two confirmed for the reality show.

Lizz said in a past interview, "I will be shooting a reality show called First Ladies that is by the same producers that brought us Omotola The Real Me and Jim Iyke Unscripted. They are called iFactory Live."

Why Big Brother Hotshots Won't Launch This Sunday

Big Brother house was razed by a fire on September 2.

M-Net and Endemol SA advise that due to a devastating fire at the Big Brother house, Big Brother Hotshots will not launch this Sunday (7 September) as scheduled.

The cause of the fire at this stage is unknown and investigations will commence as soon as it is safe to do so.

At this stage M-Net and Endemol are urgently looking for an alternative Big Brother house in which to film the production, however as this production has highly technical infrastructure, camera and edit requirements an alternative is not immediately available.

Every effort will be made to find a solution as quickly as possible to ensure that Africa’s biggest reality show will continue.

Did Quincy Timberlake Beat His Son To Death?

The question on everyone's mind is, did controversial personality, Quincy Timberlake kill his own son?

Well, according to Australian press, detective have charged Quincy with the murder of his three-year-old son.

He briefly faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody until his next court date on December 4.

Quincy was arrested by police this morning in relation to the death of his son Sinclair in Kallangur, in Brisbane’s north.

Brisbane Times reports that police were called to the townhouse about 2.30am on June 18, after ambulance officers were unable to resuscitate the boy.

Police will allege the child had “significant” internal injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.